Drug Impaired Driving

As spring arrives, so does allergy season, bringing not only discomfort but also potential safety issues for drivers, particularly those operating Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). Studies show that common over-the-counter allergy medications can impair driving abilities, sometimes more than alcohol. With millions of Americans relying on these treatments, it’s essential to be aware of their effects. In this blog post, we'll examine how allergy medications impact driving performance and highlight crucial precautions to keep everyone safe on the road this season.

In this issue:

• The Big 12
• Frost Laws in states and 9 Provinces
• Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminar!

Read, share, and/or print this week's Safety Bulletin.
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.

Spring is set to begin in the U.S. on Thursday, March 20, ushering in a wave of seasonal allergies. Experts anticipate that the allergy season 2025 may be more intense than in previous years. As allergy season kicks off, it's crucial to recognize that certain over-the-counter allergy medications can greatly affect your ability to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).

Researchers from the University of Iowa conducted a study using a driving simulator and discovered that diphenhydramine—a common ingredient in many allergy and cold medications—substantially impaired drivers' ability to stay on course, steer, and maintain their lane. The findings indicated that the effects of diphenhydramine on driving performance are more significant than those of alcohol.

With around 39 million Americans affected by hay fever and allergies, only about 4.8 million use prescription medications. Most either forgo treatment or rely on over-the-counter options. While these medications can be effective, they often come with warnings regarding potential drowsiness and a strong recommendation to use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Researchers emphasize that even if you do not feel drowsy while taking allergy medications, you may still be impaired. Many drivers underestimate the impact that over-the-counter medications can have on their cognitive and motor skills. They often fail to recognize that these drugs can impair their driving abilities. After reading warning labels, it's common for people to assume these cautions pertain only to specific individuals, or to believe that "do not operate heavy machinery" refers solely to equipment like tractors—disregarding that commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are included in this warning.

Furthermore, warnings about potential drowsiness or dizziness from various medications are frequently overlooked. This negligence is a significant concern, contributing to thousands of accidents on the road each year. Driving a CMV while impaired or excessively fatigued can have deadly consequences. Medications can affect the body in numerous ways: blur vision, induce fatigue or over-excitement, alter perception, cause hallucinations, fluctuate blood pressure, and slow reaction times. All types of drugs—whether illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter—can disrupt concentration and motor coordination. When brain function is compromised, so too are muscle and nerve responses.

For instance, antihistamines block allergic reactions and can significantly decrease reaction times and coordination. Similarly, over-the-counter decongestants may lead to drowsiness, anxiety, and dizziness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drowsy driving causes around 100,000 traffic crashes and approximately 1,500 fatalities each year.

Many common prescription medications—such as those for allergies, pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, ulcers, depression, anxiety, and insomnia—can lead to drowsiness, affect your vision, and impair skills essential for driving. Drugs like tranquilizers, sedatives, and sleeping pills can slow down your central nervous system, resulting in drowsiness, slower reaction times, and decreased focus.

Over-the-counter medications, including cold and cough remedies, antihistamines, anti-nausea medications, pain relievers, decongestants, and diuretics, can also cause drowsiness or dizziness negatively impacting your reflexes and driving capabilities.

Some medications make you feel alert and in control while driving, but they can hinder your ability to operate a vehicle safely. It's essential to be aware that these substances can create a misleading sense of confidence. 

• Anti-anxiety medications
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• Stimulants
• Narcotic pain medications
• Allergy medicines
• Blood sugar medications
• Antidepressants
• Tranquilizers
• Blood pressure medications
• Motion sickness medications
• Ulcer medications
• Antibiotics
• Anti-seizure medications
• Paregoric
• Anti-nausea medications
• Sedatives
• Cough syrups
• Alcohol-containing medicines
• Caffeine-containing medicines
• Decongestants

To protect yourself and others on the road, you must speak with your doctor and pharmacist about your medications' side effects and know which combinations are safe, particularly when driving. Always follow prescribed dosages and never use someone else's medication. If you drive professionally, look for non-sedating alternatives when available. Ensure you give your body time to adapt to new medications before driving. Finally, we all share the responsibility of recognizing the signs of drug impairment before getting behind the wheel.

For more details on medication side effects, please refer to: www.drugs.com 

Please see the following FAQs from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

What medications disqualify a CMV driver?
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-medications-disqualify-cmv-driver

Can a CMV driver be disqualified for using a legally prescribed drug?
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/can-cmv-driver-be-disqualified-using-legally-prescribed-drug

You can access 21 CFR 1308.11 (Controlled Substance Schedule I) at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fb0b4afcff84aef52755d6dff7b8880d&node=se21.9.1308_111&rgn=div8

For further assistance, please contact the FMCSA's Physical Qualifications Division at fmcsamedical@fmcsa.dot.gov or (202) 366-4001.

The Big 12

As March Madness approaches, the "Big 12" I'm referring to has nothing to do with basketball. Instead, it highlights the top 12 driver violations FMCSA investigators focus on during carrier audits.

During these audits, safety investigators examine driver records for the most critical violations of FMCSA regulations, commonly referred to as "Red Flag Violations" or "The Big 12." The FMCSA consistently reviews these 12 violations to verify that any issues have been resolved.

While there are currently 12 recognized Red Flag Violations, the FMCSA notes that this list may be updated anytime. Below is a table detailing these violations and their respective BASIC category and regulations.

Any driver violations identified during a carrier investigation that remain uncorrected may result in a Notice of Violation or a Notice of Claim.

Frost Laws in 16 states and 9 Provinces!

Spring weather can pose significant challenges for drivers. Fluctuating ground temperatures often lead to road damage, causing uneven surfaces that create a "roller coaster" effect while driving.

Motor carriers need to keep an eye on state and provincial weight restrictions that come into effect during spring to avoid damaging roads and vehicles.

To view state and provincial laws regarding spring weight restrictions, visit: https://oversize.io/regulations/frost-laws-by-state 

Be Ready for Alternate Routes

Many states implement seasonal weight limits as early as late February, with some restrictions continuing through May. Drivers passing through areas affected by spring thaws should be attentive to posted signs indicating weight limits and, in some cases, reduced speed limits.

Planning trips may involve checking state transportation websites to confirm if certain highways are safe for your vehicle. If faced with a weight restriction, drivers might need to find an alternate route and could reach out to dispatch for support.

It's important not to ignore these posted restrictions, as doing so can lead to significant consequences beyond fines. Violating these limits can result in road damage, harm to vehicles or cargo, and even accidents if the road conditions become difficult to navigate.

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday, March 9!

Daylight saving time for 2025 will begin on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks will move forward by one hour. This twice-annual time change affects millions of Americans—but not all.

What You Need to Know:

• Notify Your Drivers: Tell all drivers about the impending time change in two weeks. Route drivers must remain vigilant, as the decrease in daylight will affect their scheduled stops.
• Inspect Safety Equipment: Now is an ideal moment to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to keep them operational.
• To Compensate for Sleep Loss: Sleep specialists advise aiming for at least seven hours of rest each night. On March 9, many individuals typically lose around 40 minutes of sleep due to the time change. To reduce tiredness, think about sleeping in on Sunday morning or taking a brief nap in the afternoon.

Prepare ahead to adjust smoothly to the time change!

Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminars!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in the spring and fall of 2025. The one-day seminar this year will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals.

Spring Seminars 2025

• 4/16/2025 – Dallas, TX
• 4/21/2025 – Hudsonville, MI
• 4/23/2025 – Brookfield, WI
• 4/29/2025 – San Leandro, CA
• 5/1/2025 – Portland, OR
• TBD – Harrisburg, PA
• TBD – Columbia, SC
• TBD – Miami, FL
• 5/15/2025 – Tampa, FL

To register for an upcoming spring seminar in 2025, click on the following link:
Safety Seminar Registration

Note: Fall seminars will be announced in a later bulletin.

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.